The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1887-12-16
ATHLETICS FOR GIRLS.
Some Useful suggestions by Well
Informed Writer.

First, there must be suitable drill in
gymnasium. This should be conducted
by a lady instructor, who should be
thoroughly trained in some scientific sys-
TEN, such as the Swedish. This gymnastic
work should be compulsory for every girl
in the school.
This point is one Of Importance, as
senior students, who really require exercise
most, are very often denied any recreation
as they are being prepared for higher exam
nations, and therefore have no time to
waste over such silly things as clubs
dumb bells, or bars The gymnasium
should be well ventilated, and have plenty
of light and sunshine. Music should ac-
company the various calisthenic exercises,
and prizes should be given to those who
are most proficient.
Second, girls, like growing plants, need
air and sunshine. The gymnasium, though
good, is not sufficient. Something is re-
quired to influence the mental faculties
and rouse the animal spirits. For the
highest physical health there must be re-
creation as well as exercise. Why should
girls not indulge in good game of cricket?
Every one has seen girls who were prof.
cient with bat and ball. We see no valid
objection to the ladies' college having its
cricket field and its first and second
elevens.
Foot ball is an exhilarating game, and
would prove highly beneficial TO many
girls who are apt to be morbid or hysteri-
cal. Croquet is as extinct at the dodo,
and lawn tennis reigns in its stead. Gro
quet was always a dull and stupid per-
Torrance, unless highly spiced with nn-
limited Irritation. This, for, obvious rea-
sons, could not be allowed in ladies'
school, though it must be confessed that
some young maidens become tolerably pro-
ficient in the art at an early age.
Tennis, however, is the game for the fair
sex It is exciting and fascinating. The
player must have quick eye, a 1.-the
| figure and an active arm. In tennis almost
all the muscles of the body are brought
into action, yet the exercise is not too yio-
lent nor exhaustive. In addition to the
tennis lawn, every large school should
have swimming bath. This should be
covered so that it could be used in winter
as well as summer. There is no more de-
lightful, useful and wholesome recreation
than swimming.
Many other games Of speed and edur-
ance might be recommended, such as races,
cross-touch, prisoners base, etc. These
might be somewhat modified SO as to be
made more suitable for girls. But, for the
playing of the games, there must first be
the Fairgrounds. Let these be fine, open,
broad spaces-open to the fresh breezes
and pure sunshine. All the girls should
wear suitable costume, for there can be no
proper exercise in the ordinary dress. The
games must be varied.
Every girl will soon find out her strong
and weak points in play as well as in work;
and, if the game is to be a recreation, she
must be allowed to choose her own form.
The great point is, that every girl should
be compelled to play. No books or work
should be allowed to be brought on the
playground. OF couse, due care must
always be taken that any girl in delicate
health will not be forced to join in insult
able games; or entire rest may be enjoined
if SO ordered by the medical attendant.
Then, in addition to the above mention
ed games, walking exercise is to be recon-
mended. Do not compel merry young
girls to wander through dreary streets like
dismal procession of mutes. But on a
half-holiday take them away into the
country and let them wander through
/. fields and woods, by mead and stream. A!
the same time combine instruction with
amusement. Botany may be illustrated
by the flowers of the field; the landscape
may serve for short lesson in geology
while many wonderful story may be told
about the living things that move in the
waters or wing their way through the air
, Some captious critic may object to these
recommendations. 1--WE do not want to
have our girls trained like Spartans," it il
; urged Neither do We; all that is asked is
that they shall have sufficient and propel
! recreation. 1t may be limited that girl
will become uncoutb and unladylike; tina
: they will lose their peculiar charm, grace
and fine sensibility Against this sugges
ton let us place the fact that there are M
girls more agreeable in themselves, o.
making more natural or gennlne ladies
than those brought up in family 0
brothers, and who have consequent.
shared in and enjoyed boyish amusements
1t may be urged that there is no time
but this plea carries with IT its own con
domination. On this point let us quote tn
words of Dr. Batten: Wisely regulated
: recreation will involve no real loss of time
far from it, there will be real gain: TO
. the quick, bright spiri. Of the healthie
child will carry her through her work viii
a thoroughness and an ease which vii
Z more than compensate. Let two half-holi
days week be the rule of the colleges
n and, if necessary, let some of the educa
! tional subjects be arranged so as to ALLOW
of this.
: Ifone-haif the time now given by man.
4 girls to piano-learning were devoted IN
stead to healthy recreation, both must
and the world generally would alike benefit
In conclusion, let us hope that in futuE